The Future Interfaces Group is an interdisciplinary research lab within the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. We create new sensing and interface technologies that foster powerful and delightful interactions between humans and computers. These efforts often lie in emerging use modalities, such as wearable computing, augmented reality, smart environments and gestural interfaces.

TEAM

Featured

Chris HarrisonChris is the Habermann Chair and an Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction. He directs the Future Interfaces Group, broadly investigating novel sensing technologies and interaction techniques, especially those that empower people to interact with “small devices in big ways.”

Lauren HardwigLauren is an administrative coordinator at Carnegie Mellon and diligently handles many of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the FIGLAB, supporting faculty, students and sponsors. In addition, she is pursuing a degree in Professional Writing.

Yang ZhangYang is a Ph.D. student exploring how to bridge the interaction gap between computing devices and people's daily lives in natural and efficient ways. His research interests include tangible interfaces, wearable technology, ubiquitous computing, and sensors.

APPLY

We’re always excited to work with new students, researchers and collaborators. For independent studies and undergraduate research opportunities, please contact Professor Harrison. The lab does not accept Masters and Ph.D. students directly – this process is handled by our parent department, the Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Application materials can be found here:

FACILITIES

The FIGLAB is located on Craig Street, at the western edge of Carnegie Mellon’s campus. Our century-old, solar-powered and LEED certified building contains three studios for rapid ideation and prototyping, encompassing more than 1500 square feet of shop space. Two studios are geared towards physical fabrication, primarily wood and plastics, but also textiles and metalwork. A third lab is dedicated to electronics prototyping. Our equipment includes CNC milling machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, vacuum former, miter and table saws, drill presses, bench sanders and grinders, and a full array of hand tools. A fully-stocked materials room provide immediate access to supplies, large and small. Our amazing shop manager is John Antanitis.

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING

Many of the technologies we create are available for license from Carnegie Mellon University. If you are interested in a particular technology, please contact Professor Harrison. For general inquiries, please contact the Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation (CTTEC). There are also opportunities to sponsor research in the lab, which can include rights to resulting intellectual property.